Tuesday, October 08, 2013

Nickelodeon USA Number 1 Cable TV Network In Total Day Viewing For Week Ending Sunday 6th October 2013; "The Legend of Korra" Hits Series Low

The television news website TVbytheNumbers is reporting in the following article the fantastic Nickelodeon News that Nick USA was the number one US cable TV network in total day viewing, beating Disney and ESPN, for the week ending Sunday 6th October 2013!


Unfortunately, it's not all good news. Nick & More is reporting that the fifth brand new episode from "Book Two: Spirits" of Nickelodeon's original animated series (Nicktoon) "The Legend of Korra", "Peacekeepers", which, technically still part of season one, Nickelodeon USA debuted on Friday 4th October 2013 at 8:30pm (ET/PT), only managed to achieve a average of 1.10 million US viewers (1,103,000 viewers to be exact), a series low for the show:
ESPN Wins Week With Cable Primetime Adults 18-49, TBS Tops Total Primetime Viewers & Nickelodeon Leads Total Day Viewership For Week Ending October 6, 2013

ESPN won the week among adults 18-49 during primetime, beating TBS and USA.

TBS was the top network among total viewers during primetime, beating ESPN and Disney.

Nickelodeon was number one in total day viewing, beating Disney and ESPN.

Prime-time Average Viewers (Live+SD) Week Ending October 6, 2013:

Network - (000s)

TBSC - 3685
ESPN - 2975
DSNY - 2191
FOXN - 1789
USA - 1684
A&E - 1452
HIST - 1392
FX - 1249
HGTV - 1176
ADSM - 1174
TNT - 1138
NAN - 1047
SYFY - 1030
NFLN - 1027
FOOD - 1024
TLC - 1012
LIFE - 1002
AMC - 962
CMDY - 930
SPK - 885
MSNB - 837
DISC - 829
FAM - 824
BRAV - 804

Prime-time Adults 18-49 Viewers (Live+SD)

Network - (000s)

ESPN - 1448
TBSC - 1312
USA - 810
A&E - 656
FX - 615
ADSM - 606
CMDY - 578
NFLN - 529
SPK - 459
LIFE - 441
MTV - 437
HIST - 430
FOOD - 429
BRAV - 417
SYFY - 415
FAM - 409
DISC - 395
DSNY - 389
TLC - 388
TNT - 369
AMC - 360
HGTV - 359
NAN - 341
BET - 329

Total Day Average Viewers (Live+SD)

Network - (000s)

NICK - 1512
DSNY - 1422
TBSC - 1288
ESPN - 1245
ADSM - 1213
FOXN - 1149
USA - 1094
NAN - 951
TNT - 942
TOON - 856
HIST - 826
A&E - 760
HGTV - 690
ID - 587
DSJR - 435
FX - 591
CNN - 558
FOOD - 554
MSNB - 531
AMC - 522
TVLD - 510
CMDY - 503
TLC - 479
LIFE - 471

Nielsen TV Ratings: ©2013 The Nielsen Company. All Rights Reserved.Cable Channel Abbreviations: NICK = Nickelodeon, NAN = Nick At Nite, TOON = Cartoon Network, ADSM = Adult Swim, TRU = truTV, LIFE = Lifetime, NKJR - Nick Jr., FAM = ABC Family, TVLD = TV Land, FOXN = Fox News, TBSC = TBS, DISC = Discovery

Categories: Cable TV Network Weekly Ratings

Tags: A&E Ratings, Adult Swim Ratings, Cartoon Network Ratings, Discovery Ratings, Disney Ratings, ESPN Ratings, Fox News Ratings, FX Ratings, History Ratings, MTV Ratings, Nickelodeon Ratings, TBS Ratings, TNT Ratings, USA Ratings

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon Ratings and The Legend of Korra News!

Southern European And African Broadcasters Acquire Rights To Raft Of Nickelodeon Shows From Viacom International Media Networks At MIPCOM 2013

The children's entertainment and media news website Kidscreen is reporting the exciting Nickelodeon News in the following article that Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has announced a raft of deals with third-party broadcasters across Southern Europe for its Nickelodeon properties.

Spain's free-to-air (FTA) broadcaster, TVE, has acquired the broadcast rights for a number of Nickelodeon's popular animated series (Nicktoons), including season one of "Monsters vs. Aliens", season 2 of "Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness", season 3 of "The Penguins of Madagascar", season two of the CG-animated phenomenon, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", and Nickelodeon Preschool Animations' "Bubble Guppies". The broadcaster has complemented the bulk purchase by signing for season three and season one of Nickelodeon's hit live-action original musical comedy series "Big Time Rush" and live-action original action-comedy series "Supah Ninjas".

In Italy, leading kids' broadcaster Boing has signed for seasons two and three of "Penguins of Madagascar". And Discovery has added season one of "Big Time Rush".

France-based commercial broadcaster Gulli has also acquired seasons one and two of Nickelodeon's popular musical comedy show "Victorious".

Additionally, C21Media is reporting that VIMN's distribution partner in South Africa, Cote Ouest, has licensed a number of Viacom shows to Atlantic Pictures, including Nickelodeon animation "Catscratch" and "Kung Fu Panda" (season two):
Viacom inks a slew of Nick deals at MIPCOM

Viacom International Media Networks has announced a raft of deals with third-party broadcasters across Southern Europe for its Nickelodeon properties.

Spain’s free-to-air broadcaster, TVE, has signed for a number of Nickelodeon’s pre-school animation shows, including season one of Monsters versus Aliens, season 2 of Kung Fu Panda, season one and two of Bubble Guppies, and season 3 of Penguins of Madagascar and season two of live action phenomenon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

The broadcaster has complemented the bulk purchase by signing for season three and season one of Nickelodeon’s live action Big Time Rush and Supah Ninjas.

In Italy, leading kids’ broadcaster Boing has signed for seasons two and three of Nickelodeon’s pre-school animation, Penguins of Madagascar. And Discovery, has added season one of Big Time Rush.

France-based commercial broadcaster Gulli acquiring seasons one and two of Nickelodeon’s Victorious.

Tags: Nickelodeon, Viacom International Media Networks
Also, from C21Media:
VIMN wins over South Europe, Africa

MIPCOM: A string of broadcasters in Southern Europe and Africa have picked up Nickelodeon animated and live-action shows along with titles from other Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) channels.

The largest licensing deal is with Spanish pubcaster TVE for seven kids’ properties.

They include preschool animated series Monsters vs Aliens (season one), Kung Fu Panda (season two), Bubble Guppies (seasons one and two) and Penguins of Madagascar (season three), plus live-action shows Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (season two) and Supah Ninjas (season one), and teen series Big Time Rush (season three).

Discovery in Italy has also licensed season one of Big Time Rush, while Mediaset and Turner Broadcasting System Europe’s Italian joint venture free-to-air channel Boing has picked up Penguins of Madagascar (seasons two and three.

Meanwhile, Lagardère’s French kids’ channel Gulli has gone for Nickelodeon’s teen series Victorious (seasons one and two).

On the teen and young adult front, Canal+-owned D17 in France has picked up MTV teen comedy Awkward (seasons one and two).

In Spain, commercial broadcaster Mediaset has acquired three younger male-skewing series, including MTV dare-devil comedy Megadrive (season one), unscripted series Big Easy Justice (season one) and fact ent wildlife show Urban Tarzan. The latter two both air on Spike.

Separately, shows on VIMN entertainment network BET’s slate have been sold to broadcasters in Africa.

Buyers include South African free-to-air channel e.tv, which has picked up the first seasons of comedy series Real Husbands of Hollywood and Second Generation Waya; the dating show Hell Date; and season two of comedy Let’s Stay Together.

VIMN’s distribution partner in South Africa, Cote Ouest, has licensed a number of BET shows to Atlantic Pictures. These include seasons one and two of Real Husbands of Hollywood, Reed Between the Lines and seasons 1-3 of Comedy Central’s Key & Peele, plus Nickelodeon animation Catscratch and Kung Fu Panda (season two).

Gün Akyuz
08-10-2013
©C21Media

GENRES: Animation, Children's
COMPANIES: Discovery, Lagardère, Nickelodeon, TVE, Viacom International Media Ne
SECTIONS: C21Kids
COUNTRIES: Africa, France, Italy, Spain, US

Viacom International Media Networks And Twitter To Launch International Twitter Amplify Partnership With The "2013 MTV EMA"

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), and Twitter have today, Tuesday 8th October 2013, announced in the following press release, from PRNewswire, an international partnership on Twitter Amplify, a program through which the companies will deliver social video advertising campaigns around the biggest programs and live events across VIMN's platforms, including Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Channel and more.

The partnership will launch with the "2013 MTV EMA" (also known as the "2013 MTV Europe Music Awards") airing live across MTV channels around the world from Amsterdam's Ziggo Dome at 9:00 p.m. CET* on Sunday 10th November 2013. MTV will offer sponsorship opportunities around real-time highlights of the show's most buzzworthy performances, unexpected moments, exclusive backstage interviews and more via its Twitter accounts with followers in more than 170 countries and territories worldwide.

Additionally, MTV will offer Twitter Amplify sponsorships to U.S.-based advertisers for the primetime airing of the "2013 MTV EMA" in the United States. The "2013 MTV EMA" will air on MTV in the U.S. at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT on Sunday, November 10th. The "2013 MTV Video Music Awards" in August marked a very successful first outing for Viacom and Twitter Amplify, generating high user engagement rates for the campaign.

VIMN's shows and events consistently drive significant activity on Twitter. Outside the U.S., MTV has 10.8 million Twitter followers, and the "2012 MTV EMA" delivered record tweets during the show (5.7 million), up +104% vs. 2011. The show also drove 32 worldwide trending topics on Twitter, at times notching eight of the top 10 trending topics during the show's premiere broadcast.

The "2012 MTV EMA" blew away the competition on Trendrr's social charts, ranking as the most social program of the night in the U.S. with more than 5.5 million mentions around the U.S. airing on MTV2 – nearly triple the most socially active audience during the 2012 U.S. election coverage.

*Please check local listings; the show will air tape delayed in some markets.

Original Viacom International Media Networks Press Release:

Viacom International Media Networks and Twitter to Launch International Twitter Amplify Partnership with the "2013 MTV EMA"

Global MTV Awards Show to Kick Off Partnership Spanning VIMN's Portfolio of Networks, Programming and Social Media in More than 170 Countries Worldwide

LONDON, Oct. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), and Twitter today announced an international partnership on Twitter Amplify, a program through which the companies will deliver social video advertising campaigns around the biggest programs and live events across VIMN's platforms, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Channel and more.



(Download Image - Viacom Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Viacom Inc.): http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110811/NY51392LOGO )

The partnership will launch with the "2013 MTV EMA," airing live across MTV channels around the world from Amsterdam's Ziggo Dome at 9:00 p.m. CET* on Sunday, November 10th. MTV will offer sponsorship opportunities around real-time highlights of the show's most buzzworthy performances, unexpected moments, exclusive backstage interviews and more via its Twitter accounts with followers in more than 170 countries and territories worldwide.

Additionally, MTV will offer Twitter Amplify sponsorships to U.S.-based advertisers for the primetime airing of the "2013 MTV EMA" in the United States. The "2013 MTV EMA" will air on MTV in the U.S. at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT on Sunday, November 10th. The "2013 MTV Video Music Awards" in August marked a very successful first outing for Viacom and Twitter Amplify, generating high user engagement rates for the campaign.

"The '2013 MTV EMA' is a global phenomenon and one of the few live entertainment events that drives Twitter activity across entire continents," said Chris Shaw, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of BeViacom, VIMN's ad sales unit. "We're thrilled to be pioneering this initiative in Europe and across the world, creating a truly unique opportunity for marketers looking to join the global youth conversation around the '2013 MTV EMA.'"

Glenn Brown, Senior Director of Twitter Amplify, said: "We are excited to build on the success of our US Twitter Amplify partnership with Viacom by rolling it out internationally, including across the UK and Europe. The EMAs are the perfect way to start the program, allowing brands to tap into the conversations already happening on Twitter by offering people highlights and exclusive content across all devices."

VIMN's shows and events consistently drive significant activity on Twitter. Outside the U.S., MTV has 10.8 million Twitter followers, and the "2012 MTV EMA" delivered record tweets during the show (5.7 million), up +104% vs. 2011. The show also drove 32 worldwide trending topics on Twitter, at times notching eight of the top 10 trending topics during the show's premiere broadcast.

The "2012 MTV EMA" blew away the competition on Trendrr's social charts, ranking as the most social program of the night in the U.S. with more than 5.5 million mentions around the U.S. airing on MTV2 – nearly triple the most socially active audience during the 2012 U.S. election coverage.

*Please check local listings; the show will air tape delayed in some markets.

About Viacom International Media Networks

Viacom International Media Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), comprises many of the world's most popular multimedia entertainment brands, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount Channel, VH1, VIVA, COLORS, Game One and Tr3s: MTV, Musica y Mas. Viacom brands are seen globally in approximately 700m households in approximately 170 territories and 37 languages via more than 200 locally programmed and operated TV channels and more than 550 digital media and mobile TV properties.

Tweet This: BREAKING: Viacom, Twitter launch international Twitter Amplify partnership around the 2013 #MTVEMA

SOURCE Viacom Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.viacom.com

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Also, from Broadcast:
Viacom strikes Twitter deal

Mipcom: Viacom is to deliver highlights of the MTV EMAs to the broadcaster’s 10.8m Twitter followers as part of a wider deal with the social network.

The international partnership will launch on 10 November when MTV will feature sponsors messages around video highlights of the awards and backstage interviews posted throughout the event.

The posts will be sent to MTV’s 10.8m Twitter followers and also be flagged to other users likely to be interested in the content via its ‘promoted tweets’ service.

The deal forms part of the social media service’s Amplify programme which aims to help broadcasters extend TV sponsorship deals onto Twitter.

Twitter’s senior director of Amplify Glenn Brown said it was rare for new media providers and broadcasters to approach advertisers with a joint proposition.

“It helps broadcasters to open up a revenue stream which wasn’t previously available,” he said. “And the promoted tweets are designed to increase reach and engagement by targeting users who aren’t following a particular account but should be.”

In 2012, the MTV EMAs generated 5.7m tweets during the show, according to dats from Twitter.

Brown said that there was great opportunity for Viacom to make use of the Amplify program for pre-recorded or scripted content across its portfolio of channels including Comedy Central and Nickelodeon.

“We are just starting to see the creative opportunities,” he said. “I can imagine Amplify being used to drive tune-in ahead of a show’s broadcast or to act as a reminder about what took place in previous episodes.”

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon and Viacom News!

Nickelodeon UK, Blue-Zoo And Aardman Animations Team Up For Brand New CG-Animated Preschool Series, "Digby Dragon"

Aardman Animations, a world leader in animation, has announced the exciting Nick Jr. UK News in the following press release, from Toon Zone News, that Blue-Zoo, one of the top animation companies in the UK, has teamed up with Nickelodeon UK as Commissioner and Aardman Animations as rights representative on "Digby Dragon", a brand new CG-animated preschool series based on original work from Sally Hunter, creator of the celebrated preschool property, "Humphrey's Corner"!

Set in the colourful and enchanted Applecross Woods, Digby Dragon follows Digby, a fledgling dragon learning to fly. With his best friend, the fumbling, bumbling fairy, Fizzy Izzy, Digby takes on adventures in the woods encountering characters including train driver Grump Goblin and Chips, the scatter-brained squirrel.


Produced entirely in the UK at Blue-Zoo Productions, the CGI show promises to be the latest in a long line of hits from the studio behind "Olive the Ostrich", "Tree Fu Tom", "Q pootle 5" and "Alphablocks". Funded through an Enterprise Investment Scheme along with pre-sales and advances, the series will go in to production early 2014. Aardman Animations have taken on international TV, DVD and digital sales representation for the property with Nickelodeon UK commissioning 26 half hours (26x30') of the programme for its preschool channel, Nick Jr.. Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products will also represent Consumer Products for the property in the UK and Ireland.

"Digby Dragon" will officially go to market for the first time at MIP JR and MIPCOM this month (October 2013), and will feature on the Aardman stand.

Original Aardman Animations Press Release:

UK Animation Powerhouses Team up to make Digby Fly

Bristol UK – Monday 7th October – Top UK animation company, Blue-Zoo has teamed up with Nickelodeon UK as Commissioner and Aardman Animations as rights representative on Digby Dragon, an animated preschool series based on original work from Sally Hunter, creator of the celebrated preschool property, Humphrey's Corner.

Set in the colourful and enchanted Applecross Woods, Digby Dragon follows Digby a fledgling dragon learning to fly. With his best friend, the fumbling, bumbling fairy, Fizzy Izzy, Digby takes on adventures in the woods encountering characters including train driver Grump Goblin and Chips, the scatter-brained squirrel.

"From the moment we saw the world and characters Sally had created, we knew it would make a beautiful show and we are delighted that everyone agrees, said Oli Hyatt, MD Blue-Zoo Productions. "The combination of our talented studio, the international clout of Aardman's reputation, and a great environment and platform in the UK on Nick Jr., and S4C, should make the show irresistible for investors and audiences."

Produced entirely in the UK at Blue-Zoo Productions, the CGI show promises to be the latest in a long line of hits from the studio behind Olive the Ostrich, Tree Fu Tom, Q pootle 5 and Alphablocks. Funded through an Enterprise Investment Scheme along with presales and advances, the series will go in to production early 2014. Aardman Animations have taken on international TV, DVD and digital sales representation for the property with Nickelodeon UK commissioning 26 half hours of the programme for its preschool channel, Nick Jr.. Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products will also represent Consumer Products for the property in the UK and Ireland.

"The world of Digby is one driven by imagination and adventure. These core attributes mean that the property has the potential to develop into a long-running TV series beloved by families while its characters are engaging enough to be enjoyed by audiences across multiple platforms," said Tim Patterson, VP, Director of Programming Nickelodeon UK. "Investing at both the programming and property level, shows the belief that Nickelodeon has in Digby."

Digby Dragon will officially go to market for the first time at MIP JR and MIPCOM this month, and will feature on the Aardman stand.

Alix Wiseman, Head of Sales & Acquisitions at Aardman Animations said: "Digby Dragon is just the kind of property we’ve been looking for and it fits perfectly with our existing cast of funny Aardman characters. Blue Zoo have created a joyful show in which they deploy the high production values and great storytelling antics which they are so well known for. We are delighted to be partnering with them and representing this charming new series worldwide

About Blue-Zoo

Blue-Zoo Productions is an award-winning animation studio founded in 2000 by entrepreneurs Adam Shaw, Tom Box and Oli Hyatt. This creative, adventurous and independent company has a renowned reputation for their passionate, stand-out, high-quality animation for TV, commercials, children's programming, Titles and Idents.

Over the past 13 years Blue-Zoo have built strong relationships with TV Broadcasters and Media companies allowing them to produce fantastic hits such as; “Tree Fu Tom”, “Q Pootle 5″, “Olive the Ostrich” and “Alphablocks”

The vibrant, ambitious and dynamic team at Blue-Zoo have a genuine passion for their work, and have picked up many awards along the way including in 2012, BAFTA’s Children’s Award for best Independent Production Company and in 2009 Best Breakthrough Talent for Adam Shaw, whilst continuing to work to the highest standard of UK Animation.

Blue-Zoo have worked for many clients & brands that include; BBC, ITV, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Disney, Kellogg's, Clarks, Lego, DHL, Shell, The Rolling Stones, Barclays & BSkyB amongst many more.

While creating such a buzz, Blue-Zoo have kept their feet on the ground, and still offer one of the most down to earth, and friendly services in the UK. www.blue-zoo.co.uk

About Aardman Animations

Aardman, based in Bristol (UK) co-founded and run by Peter Lord and David Sproxton, is a world leader in animation. It produces feature films, television series and television commercials for both the domestic and international market. Their multi-award winning productions are novel, entertaining, brilliantly characterised and full of charm that reflects the unique talent, energy and personal commitment of the very special people who make up the Aardman team. The studio’s work is often imitated and yet the company continues to lead the field producing a rare brand of visually stunning and amusing independent and commercials productions. www.aardman.com

About Nickelodeon UK

The Nickelodeon UK Network is available in 14 million cable and satellite homes and now reaches more than 10 million viewers a month. Launched in 1993, the top-performing Nickelodeon network comprises seven dedicated entertainment channels for kids aged 4-15 and their families: Nickelodeon, Nickelodeon HD, Nickelodeon +1, Nicktoons, Nick Jr., Nick Jr. +1 and Nick Jr. 2. The entertainment company has built a diverse multi-platform business by putting kids first in everything it does – Kids Rule! Content is at the core of the business with critically-acclaimed and hugely-popular television programming from the UK and around the world merging with bespoke content online, as well as consumer product and recreation opportunities such as the UK’s first-ever Nick theme park, Nickelodeon Land.

--Ends--

Also, from Licensing.biz:
Blue Zoo teams with Nickelodeon and Aardman for new pre-school animation, Digby Dragon

Animation based on Sally Hunter's original work has been commisioned for 26 episodes on Nick Jr.

UK animation company Blue Zoo has teamed with Nickelodeon UK and Aardman Animation to create a new pre-school series, Digby Dragon.

Based on the original work from Sally Hunter, creator of the pre-school property Humphrey's Corner, the new CGI animated series will follow the adventures of Digby as he learns to fly.

Oli Hyatt, MD, Blue Zoo Productions, said: "From the moment we saw the world and characters Sally had created, we knew it would make a beautiful show and we are delighted that everyone agrees.

"The combination of our talented studio, the international clout of Aardman's reputation, and a great environment and platform in the UK on Nick Jr, and S4C, should make the show irresistible for investors and audiences."

Produced in the UK at Blue Zoo Productions, Digby Dragon has been commissioned by Nickelodeon UK, while Aardman Animations has signed as the rights representative, taking on international TV, DVD and digital sales.

Nickelodeon has already commissioned 26 half hour episodes of the programme for its pre-school channel, Nick Jr.

Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products will also represent consumer products for the property in the UK and Ireland.

Tim Patterson, VP, director of programming, Nickelodeon UK, said: "The world of Digby is one driven by imagination and adventure.

"These core attributes mean that the property has the potential to develop into a long running TV series beloved by families while its characters are engaging enough to be enjoyed by audiences across multiple platforms.

"Investing at both the programming and property level, shows the belief that Nickelodeon has in Digby."

Alix Wiseman, head of sales and acquisitions at Aardman Animations, added: "Digby Dragon is just the kind of property we've been looking for and it fits perfectly with our existing cast of funny Aardman characters."

TAGS aardman animations, nick jr, nickelodeon UK, Blue Zoo, Digby Dragon

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon UK, Nick Jr. UK and Digby Dragon News!

Saban's Power Rangers Megaforce Join Forces With Spirit Of Children To Bring Smiles And Safety To Children This Halloween; Nick Jr.'s "Olivia" To Also Make Guest Appearances At Events

Spirit Halloween has announced in the following press release, from PRNewswire, the exciting news that the largest seasonal Halloween retailer in North America, will be continuing its annual tradition of bringing the fun and fantasy of the season to hospitalized children with the Spirit of Children initiative. Founded in 2006, Spirit of Children has supported Child Life departments to make hospital stays less scary for kids and their families. The Spirit of Children program positively impacts thousands of pediatric patients and their families by providing both fun and funding to hospitals during the Halloween season and all year long.

During the week of Monday 14th October 2013, Spirit of Children will host more than 80 Halloween events in conjunction with the Child Life departments at hospitals throughout the United States and Canada. Pediatric patients and their families will experience the joy of Halloween at hospital events complete with costumes, accessories, decorations and activities. Once again this year, Saban's Power Rangers are teaming up with Spirit of Children by making special appearances at 16 hospital Halloween parties. In addition to the Power Rangers Megaforce, Jake from "Adventure Time", Strawberry Shortcake & Cherry Jam, Spookley the Square Pumpkin and Nick Jr. star Olivia the Pig will make guest appearances at select hospital events throughout the country.

In addition to participating in Spirit of Children Week, the Power Rangers Megaforce and Spirit Halloween are partnering to POWER UP Halloween safety for kids nationwide. To ensure that safety is made a priority when trick-or-treating, a Halloween Safety campaign, sponsored by the Power Rangers, will provide education about the importance of staying with a group, not taking candy that isn't wrapped, and many other safety tips. The program is supported with online, TV, and in-school public service materials along with a Power Rangers safety glow section found in every Spirit Halloween.

This year, Spirit of Children's goal is to raise $5 million – bringing its total contribution to more than $16 million donated since the program's inception. One hundred percent of the funds raised are donated to Child Life departments, which focus on the emotional and psychological well-being of hospitalized children while doctors and nurses focus on their medical needs. Through its donations, Spirit of Children has funded a variety of resources including music and art therapy programs, aid in purchasing games and toys for patients, and assistance in funding additional services such as playrooms, so kids can leave their room and spend time with their peers.

Whether shopping online or in a Spirit Halloween location for this year's top costumes and decor, shoppers can donate to the Spirit of Children program. The funds raised in each of the 1,050 Spirit Halloween stores throughout the United States and Canada will go to its closest hospital, making an impact on their local community. Spirit Halloween shoppers who make at least a $2 donation will receive their choice of a branded Spirit of Children bracelet or a glow-in-the-dark bracelet for kids to wear while trick-or-treating.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Spirit Halloween for the second year in a row, bringing the Power Rangers to children and their families across North America," said Elie Dekel, President of Saban Brands. "Saban Brands is proud to be partnering with Spirit Halloween and its Spirit of Children Week, working towards the common goal of bringing joy to children."
To locate a Spirit Halloween store in your area, visit www.SpiritHalloween.com. For exclusive discounts and the inside scoop on all things Halloween, "Like" us if you dare on Facebook www.Facebook.com/SpiritHalloween, follow us on Pinterest www.Pinterest.com/SpiritHalloween, follow us on Twitter @SpiritHalloween, and check us out on YouTube www.youtube.com/SpiritHalloweencom.

Original Spirit Halloween Press Release:

Spirit Halloween to Host Annual "Spirit of Children Week" Beginning October 14, 2013

Saban's Power Rangers Megaforce Join Forces with Spirit of Children to Bring Smiles and Safety to Children This Halloween

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, N.J., Oct. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Spirit Halloween, the largest seasonal Halloween retailer in North America, continues its annual tradition of bringing the fun and fantasy of the season to hospitalized children with the Spirit of Children program. Founded in 2006, Spirit of Children has supported Child Life departments to make hospital stays less scary for kids and their families. The Spirit of Children program positively impacts thousands of pediatric patients and their families by providing both fun and funding to hospitals during the Halloween season and all year long.



(Download Image - Spirit of Children Logo (www.spiritofchildren.com). (PRNewsFoto/Spirit Halloween): http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131008/CG93273LOGO)

During the week of October 14, 2013, Spirit of Children will host more than 80 Halloween events in conjunction with the Child Life departments at hospitals throughout the United States and Canada. Pediatric patients and their families will experience the joy of Halloween at hospital events complete with costumes, accessories, decorations and activities. Once again this year, Saban's Power Rangers are teaming up with Spirit of Children by making special appearances at 16 hospital Halloween parties. In addition to the Power Rangers Megaforce, Jake from Adventure Time, Olivia the Pig, Strawberry Shortcake & Cherry Jam and Spookley the Square Pumpkin will make guest appearances at select hospital events throughout the country.

In addition to participating in Spirit of Children Week, the Power Rangers Megaforce and Spirit Halloween are partnering to POWER UP Halloween safety for kids nationwide. To ensure that safety is made a priority when trick-or-treating, a Halloween Safety campaign, sponsored by the Power Rangers, will provide education about the importance of staying with a group, not taking candy that isn't wrapped, and many other safety tips. The program is supported with online, TV, and in-school public service materials along with a Power Rangers safety glow section found in every Spirit Halloween.

"The Halloween season is a magical time of year," said Steven Silverstein, President and CEO, Spirit Halloween. "Spirit of Children allows us to bring some of that magic to families who otherwise wouldn't be able to celebrate the occasion. We're excited to be partnering with Saban's Power Rangers again this year, giving children the opportunity to meet some of their favorite superheroes and support the important message of the Power Rangers safety campaign."

This year, Spirit of Children's goal is to raise $5 million – bringing its total contribution to more than $16 million donated since the program's inception. One hundred percent of the funds raised are donated to Child Life departments, which focus on the emotional and psychological well-being of hospitalized children while doctors and nurses focus on their medical needs. Through its donations, Spirit of Children has funded a variety of resources including music and art therapy programs, aid in purchasing games and toys for patients, and assistance in funding additional services such as playrooms, so kids can leave their room and spend time with their peers.

Whether shopping online or in a Spirit Halloween location for this year's top costumes and decor, shoppers can donate to the Spirit of Children program. The funds raised in each of the 1,050 Spirit Halloween stores throughout the United States and Canada will go to its closest hospital, making an impact on their local community. Spirit Halloween shoppers who make at least a $2 donation will receive their choice of a branded Spirit of Children bracelet or a glow-in-the-dark bracelet for kids to wear while trick-or-treating.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Spirit Halloween for the second year in a row, bringing the Power Rangers to children and their families across North America," said Elie Dekel, President of Saban Brands. "Saban Brands is proud to be partnering with Spirit Halloween and its Spirit of Children Week, working towards the common goal of bringing joy to children."

To locate a Spirit Halloween store in your area, visit www.SpiritHalloween.com. For exclusive discounts and the inside scoop on all things Halloween, "Like" us if you dare on Facebook www.Facebook.com/SpiritHalloween, follow us on Pinterest www.Pinterest.com/SpiritHalloween, follow us on Twitter @SpiritHalloween, and check us out on YouTube www.youtube.com/SpiritHalloweencom.

About Spirit Halloween

Spirit Halloween (www.spirithalloween.com) is the largest Halloween specialty retailer in the country with over 1,050 locations in strip centers and malls across North America. Celebrating 30 years of business, Spirit is the authority on all things Halloween, offering one-stop shopping for everything from costumes to decor and party goods to accessories. In addition to being a fun and interactive event for shoppers, Spirit stores offer complete selections of costumes and accessories for infants/toddlers, children, 'tweens, teens, and adults along with exclusive decor you won't find anywhere else. At the heart of Spirit Halloween is Spirit of Children (www.spiritofchildren.com), a program which focuses on making hospitals less scary for kids and their families. For the 2013 Halloween season, Spirit of Children's goal is to raise $5 million, bringing its total contribution to more than $16 million since its inception in 2006.

About Saban's Power Rangers Megaforce

Power Rangers Megaforce is the current season of the iconic franchise on television. The series, which airs Saturdays at 1p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon, delivers mega action, humor, excitement and entertainment, in addition to the core themes of friendship, teamwork, fitness, and helping others. Power Rangers Megaforce premiered as Saban Brands celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Power Rangers franchise, which is helmed by Haim Saban, who created and produced the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series in 1993. Following its introduction, Power Rangers quickly became the most-watched children's television program in the United States and remains one of the top-rated and longest running boys live-action series in television history. The series followed the adventures of a group of ordinary young people who "morphed" into superheroes. It was seen in more than 60 countries, translated into numerous languages, and was a mainstay in the most prominent international children's programming blocks. SCG Power Rangers LLC, which licenses and merchandises the Power Rangers brand, is an affiliate of Saban Brands. For more information, visit www.powerrangers.com.

SOURCE Spirit Halloween

RELATED LINKS
http://www.SpiritHalloween.com
http://www.spiritofchildren.com
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